Stephen Tayo's photography captures the importance of everyday life
Tayo sits down with Q’s Tom Power to discuss documenting life in Lagos
Lagos-based photographer Stephen Tayo recalls not having any images of himself as a child. In the commotion of moving around from apartment to apartment, the precious photographs of him and his siblings got lost. Now, Tayo tries to capture moments in his own work — ensuring nothing is forgotten.
Photography taught Tayo the importance of observation and documentation, "for me, [its] the idea of being able to capitalize on this moment as a way to archive and remember the transition of stages of life," he tells Q's Tom Power. "Photography is a part of my daily routine now."
As he got older, Tayo would take pictures on his iPhone of his friends at university alongside stunning architecture, primarily focusing on bright colours and unique compositions.
Through the documentation of Lagos, Tayo noticed the things that have changed over time, which can often be overlooked, "You realize the change…Lagos is not the same everyday," says Tayo.
Tayo's photo series, Which Lagos You Dey? will be showcased for the first time at Harbourfront Centre and kick off the Kuumba Festival Toronto.
The full interview with Stephen Tayo is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Interview with Stephen Tayo produced by Cora Nijhawan
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